Bodnant is a National Trust property in North Wales just a few miles from the coast and close to the River Conwy. Its complex landscapes and closeness to the sea give it extra protection and variety in its micro-climates, from large open spaces to the steeply sided ‘Dingle’.
We began by making our ways towards the Winter Garden which we always enjoy and it is not as predictable as most other winter gardens we have visited elsewhere. It is full of ideas for anyone’s gardens at home and shows great plant choice. Before reaching the Winter Garden itself we spotted lots of interesting eye catching specimens.
We soon realised we had reached our destination.
Plant combinations are key to any form of garden but especially so in a winter garden.
Of course in any garden at this time of year you would expect to come across spring bulbs, many of which flower in winter rather than wait till spring. Here at Bodnant we enjoyed the sight of many, especially some outside the realm of common and garden. Unusual narcissi in particular were very showy.
Looking upwards and we could seek out the beautiful and often richly scented flowers of shrubs such as Daphne, Hamamelis, Camellia, Lonicera and Edgeworthia.
Although the main aim of our journey today was to appreciate this beautiful winter garden, there was plenty more to enjoy among the acres and acres of Bodnant. But that will be the subject of my next post.
greenbenchramblings 